The two countries’ strategic partnership has strengthened amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Austin said, and Romania has been a key ally in the international coalition united in defense of its neighbor, he said.
„After 26 years, that partnership that has never been stronger or mattered more, especially in the wake of Russia’s cruel and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” he said, according to the department of defense.
„Romania has been a strong defender of Ukraine, (and has made) robust donations of military aid and their vital participation in the Ukrainian defense contract,” he said.
„We’re especially grateful to the Romanian people for welcoming more than 5 million Ukrainian refugees and providing critical humanitarian assistance.”
Ciolacu is on a three-day visit to Washington, the first by a Romanian prime minister since 2016.
Austin also highlighted Romania’s role in hosting the European F-16 Fighting Falcon training center, which he said will enhance critical capabilities among NATA allies.
„We’re also grateful to you for hosting an increased U.S. and allied presence,” he said. „That’s bolstering deterrence along NATO’s eastern flank.”
Romania hosts more than 3,000 U.S. and allied forces.
Additionally, he said Romania’s leadership in the Black Sea has been crucial in the face of repeated Russian drone attacks against Ukrainian grain infrastructure.
In a meeting in the Pentagon, Austin discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine, security in the Black Sea and the broader region, and Romania’s investments in upgrading its defense.
Austin praised Romania for its continued commitment to spending 2% of its gross domestic product on defense and its investments in NATO interoperable military equipment, the outlet reported.
Ahead of today’s meeting, Ciolacu pledged that Romania would continue to stand in support of its neighbor for „as long as it takes until Ukraine achieves victory.”
Romania says it hasn’t imported Ukrainian grain for 6 months
